Trenton, NJ – Advancing the Christie Administration’s commitment to set the Atlantic City region on a new course toward economic growth and job creation, Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno announced the award of a $2.6 million Customized Training grant that will help local workers qualify for more than 5,000 jobs being created by Revel Entertainment’s new Atlantic City resort that will open this spring.

“This training grant will allow local residents to obtain the full-time positions being created at the Revel resort, a company that already has generated more than 2,600 construction jobs and which brings a new promise of prosperity to this area,” said Lt. Governor Guadagno.

The 47-story Revel Atlantic City resort is under construction on a 20-acre parcel just north of the Showboat Hotel and Casino. The boardwalk resort anticipates hiring more than 5,000 workers in preparation for a grand opening this spring.

The Customized Training grant, approved by Commissioner Harold J. Wirths of the state Department of Labor and Workforce Development, is being issued to Revel. Atlantic Cape Community College will handle the training of prospective employees, who will learn leadership and communication skills, along with receiving specialty instruction regarding specific jobs at the resort.

“This is the largest, single Customized Training grant issued since Governor Christie and Lt. Governor Guadagno came to office, and for good reason. Revel has developed a comprehensive training program designed to help job-seekers in the Atlantic City area obtain the special skills to perform the job functions needed to ensure they have employment and this unique entertainment venture is successful,” said Commissioner Wirths.

The Department of Labor, through its business representatives and Workforce Development staff, already has been working with Revel to prepare area residents for employment through other programs such as On-the-Job training and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which aides in hiring veterans and job-seekers with barriers to employment.

Revel, committed to hiring locally, held 26 informational sessions in Atlantic City with local officials and community leaders to encourage city residents to apply for the positions the resort will be creating.

The $2.4 billion project is being built on what is considered one of the most desirable beachfront locations in Atlantic City. The resort will be 6.3 million square feet with 1,898 guest rooms, each with an ocean view.

In addition to the 5,000 positions to be created at the resort, Revel anticipates its project will generate an equal number of jobs in construction, manufacturing, vendor/supply work and professional/ consultant services.

The Christie Administration has awarded approximately $27 million in customized training grants to train about 70,000 workers at over 400 businesses since January 2010. Those businesses are investing another $40 million in wages toward that training. During the same period, more than $4.2 million in workplace literacy training grants has been awarded to approximately 60 businesses to increase the workplace capabilities of more than 9,000 workers to improve vital workplace skills.

Department of Labor Commissioner Harold J. Wirths (center) joined Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno (left) at Revel Entertainment Atlantic City on December 15, 2011, as Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno announced the award of a $2.6 million Customized Training grant that will help local workers qualify for more than 5,000 jobs being created by Revel Entertainment, which is still under construction and slated to open in the spring 2012.

The Customized Training grant approved by Commissioner Wirths is the largest, single Customized Training grant issued since Governor Christie and Lt. Governor Guadagno came to office. Kevin DeSanctis (right), CEO, Revel Entertainment Group, said that Revel is committed to hiring locally and has held 26 informational sessions in Atlantic City with local officials and community leaders to encourage city residents to apply for the positions the resort will be creating.

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development is an equal employment opportunity employer and provides equal opportunity programs.
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